PUBLIC NOTICE
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Fishing and Boating Services
Chesapeake Bay Recreational Hard Crab Catch and Possession Limits — July through December
2022
WHAT THIS NOTICE DOES
The Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces modifications to the
recreational male hard crab catch and possession limits for the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries for
July through December 2022. Effective 12:01 a.m. July 1, 2022, male hard crab catch and possession
limits for individuals on a vessel are:
Daily catch and possession boat limits for July 1 – December 15, 2022
Unlicensed Boat
With 1 unlicensed individual 2 dozen male crabs
With 2 or more unlicensed individuals 4 dozen male crabs
With 1 or more licensees and any number of unlicensed individuals 1 bushel of male crabs
Licensed Boat With any number of licensed or unlicensed individuals 1 bushel of male crabs
Male hard crab catch and possession limits are based on results of the winter crab dredge survey
conducted by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Virginia Institute of Marine Science,
and consultation with advisory groups and stakeholders.
WHERE THIS NOTICE APPLIES
This applies to recreational crabbing on vessels in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries, including
the Maryland tributaries of the Potomac River. This change does not affect recreational crabbing from
shore in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries. This change also does not affect recreational
crabbing from shore or on a vessel in the Atlantic Ocean, its coastal bays, or their tributaries.
WHY THIS IS NECESSARY
This action is necessary to ensure male blue crab harvest does not exceed the Chesapeake Bay male
conservation trigger referenced in Amendment 2 to the Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Fishery Management
Plan.
WHO THIS NOTICE AFFECTS
This applies to recreational crabbers who harvest male blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal
tributaries.
AUTHORITY
Code of Maryland Regulations 08.02.03.14G.
Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio
Secretary of Natural Resources
